Find out about the company before you go

Information is so easily accessible these days that there’s really no excuse for not doing a little research into the company you’re being interviewed by before you go in. Google them, spend some time on their website, read any blogs or press releases you might find, just have a little look around and get a feel for their business

What’s the job?

Make sure that you have a clear understanding of what the role involves, try to get hold of a copy of a job description if possible. If one is not available, read over the job advertisement to absorb any detail you can, and if possible, have a chat with the person who has arranged the interview for you about the role and the duties/responsibilities involved. Get it clear in your mind, so you’re not caught out when discussing it.

Don’t be late!

Being late for a job interview sets the wrong impression immediately, meaning that you start at a disadvantage when it comes to making a good ‘first impression’ as the interview gets underway. Find out where it is, how you will get there, how long it will take you, and allow plenty of time to get there.  Respect the fact that the interviewers may be working to a tight schedule on the day of your interview, so your lateness might cause issues throughout the day for them.

What are you wearing?

Plan in advance what to wear. Make sure that you are presentable, in your best interview clothes. Make sure that they are clean, neat and tidy, and appropriate for the job you’re being interviewed for.

Pay attention!

Although you might be a little nervous, and be trying to think of ways to come across in the best way possible, don’t let these thoughts allow your mind to wander during the interview. Try to remain focused on the person speaking to you, on what they’re saying and asking you.

Answer the actual question

So you’re listening intently, and you understand the question being asked. Make sure that you answer that actual question and don’t go off on a tangent, over explaining perhaps irrelevant things. Adding a little extra detail here and there is no problem, but giving details which don’t answer the question is a big no no.

Why should they pick you?

At some point during the interview, the interviewer might ask you why they should pick you. Be prepared with a great answer. Think about what they might want to hear, think about your genuine answer, think about why you would be an ideal fit for the role, put it all together and create a great answer before you go to interview.

Show how interested you are

If an interviewer has seen a number of people for a job as well as you, and has shortlisted 2 or 3 people including yourself, often one thing that can make a world of difference is you explaining how interested in the role you are. Don’t take up 10 minutes telling them how much you really want the job, just simply express how you feel about the role, about the prospect of getting the job and why you would like the job so much. Enthusiasm for a role expressed correctly might just get you over the finish line!

Relax

Take deep breaths before you enter the interview room, and try to tell yourself that these people talking to you are normal, everyday nice people. They are not trying to catch you out, they are simply trying to find out a little about you, so relax, let the conversation flow and ………

Be yourself!

A good interviewer can see past your nerves, and will be looking to try to see the real you, so try to let that show.